Isolation comes easily, naturally yet is sinful; Solitude comes difficultly, takes intentionality yet is biblical.

The passage this week is gut wrenching to my rhythms of life. It comes so unnaturally to me that I have no choice but to seek Jesus to accomplish it. We often learn from what Jesus says but too often neglect learning from what He does. Luke 4 tells the story of Jesus being busy with life and ministry (which we can all relate). With the pressure of people constantly around He continued to heal, preach, and spend time with people in their homes. He was emotionally, physically, socially, and spiritually drained. With more of life and people on the horizon He taught us deep truth by a simple action.

He went away, by himself, for a time to rest and seek His Father.

He showed the beauty of solitude, and the detriment of isolation. He taught solitude by getting away even when there is work to be done and people around. He retreated only for the sole intention of returning to life, people, and work for a Gospel-centered mission. This was not a one time thing for Jesus, (Luke 5:16, 6:12-13; Mark 6:31) shows He did this often. Solitude is one of the most selfless things you can do because you allow God to refocus you, so you can refresh and re-engage for His work.

Our natural response to life is isolation. We want to be by ourselves for ourselves to benefit ourselves…this is isolation. Isolation is rooted in selfishness. Depending what season of life we are in we isolate ourselves from Jesus, His Church, and/or the world hoping to hide, rest, or “be safe”. Isolation won’t fix your ‘tired’, solitude will. My prayer is we become so consumed in living with Gospel intentionality that we must have solitude to fulfill God’s mission.

Solitude is planned, proactive/reactive, purposeful/intentional, and God-centered. Make time for solitude; to seek God, rest, and refocus your life.

Passages: Luke 4:42-44; Prov. 18:1